Program Officer, Bushfire Infrastructure

Do you enjoy bringing together complex programs, data and people to deliver real outcomes across Victoria's forests?

Join the Forest and Fire Programs Branch and play a key role in coordinating the statewide Operational Forest Management Program. Working closely with regional and district teams across Victoria, you'll help ensure forest management activities are delivered consistently, effectively and transparently, supporting the health, resilience and sustainability of Victoria's state forests. As a Program Officer, you'll be at the centre of program governance, performance monitoring and reporting, providing high-quality advice and supporting decision-making on some of Victoria's most important public land management activities. You'll work closely with program managers, regional staff and stakeholders to coordinate statewide priorities, manage reporting and contribute to the continual improvement of forest management delivery. 

We're looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, can think critically to solve complex problems, and has strong project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience in natural resource management, science, project management or a related field will be highly regarded. You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team within Forest and Fire Programs, working alongside passionate professionals who are committed to delivering positive outcomes for Victoria's forests, communities and environment. Flexible work arrangements are available, with locations across Victoria considered. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification in science, natural resource management, project management or approved equivalent is desirable.
• Technical expertise in application of the PAF for fuel break construction or technical expertise in forest programs.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.